MY DOG ATE WHITE CHOCOLATE

My dog ate white chocolate, what should I do? You’ve been told that dark chocolate is bad for your dog, but what about white chocolate? Yes, white chocolate is a delicious treat for humans, but it is not an ideal treat for your furry friend. White chocolate is not healthy for your pet, but don’t panic if your dog eats some; there are symptoms that you can look out for and treatments to help your pup.

The Harmful Ingredients in White Chocolate 

White chocolate is made from cocoa butter, milk solids, and sugar, but it lacks the inclusion of cocoa solids which gives darker chocolate its distinct color and flavor. White chocolate is significantly lower in theobromine, the chemical compound contained in all types of chocolate that makes it poisonous to pets.

While dark chocolate may contain as much as 400mg of theobromine per ounce and milk chocolate as much as 60mg per ounce, white chocolate only contains 0.25mg of theobromine. Still, this doesn’t make white chocolate safe for your pet to eat, and the fat and sugar in white chocolate can make your dog very ill.

Clinical Signs of White Chocolate Poisoning

Large doses of white chocolate can harm dogs of all sizes. Apart from theobromine, other properties of white chocolate, like the high concentration of sugars and fat, can also cause harm to your dog. Consumption of white chocolate can result in the following symptoms:

  • Tremors in the muscles and limbs
  • Seizures
  • Irregular heartbeats
  • Agitation/restlessness
  • Increased heart rate

Treatment for White Chocolate Poisoning

Take your dog to the vet as soon as possible if they exhibit any of the mentioned symptoms. Your dog needs to be seen by a medical professional. IV fluids can address any dehydration. The vet may induce vomiting to help your dog. Dogs have a good chance of recovery, but it depends on their previous health conditions. Call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline® at 855-764-7661 for medical assistance as soon as you notice any symptoms of chocolate poisoning.